The Michigan legislature will consider a package of bills that would give people who experienced sexual abuse during childhood more time to file lawsuits to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable.
On April 27, 2023, Representative Julie Brixie announced a package of bills that would extend the time limit for filing civil lawsuits to age 52. The current statute of limitations in Michigan for child sexual abuse is age 28.
Currently, people who suffered sexual abuse as minors have three years to file a civil lawsuit from the time they discover that they were abused or that abuse caused an injury. The new proposal would extend that timeframe to seven years.
Recognizing that there are many adults who were abused as children but whose statutes of limitations have already expired, the new bills would open a two-year lookback window for past survivors. That means many people who suffered abuse as children but who did not file a suit before they turned 28 will be able to seek justice.
At Marko Law, we understand that many people who suffer abuse do not come forward until their 30s, 40s and 50s, and we support the Access to Justice package introduced by Representative Brixie today.
If you or a loved one suffered childhood sexual abuse and would like to schedule a free consultation with one of your experienced attorneys, please contact us.
How to File a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse, Assault or Harassment in Michigan